April reading wrap-up

April has been a busy reading month!

April flew by in a flurry of pages, plot twists, and late-night reading sessions. From thrillers to twisted literary fiction, this month’s reads had a little bit of everything.

Here’s a quick look back at the books that kept me company in April—what I loved, what fell flat, and what’s still lingering in my thoughts.

I reviewed 3 ARCs:

The Perfect Psychopath by Alice Hunter

The idea for this book was engaging. The psychiatrist, Ellie, is interviewing serial killers for research and also wants to get to the bottom of the years old case of her sister’s disappearance. The other point of view is the detective investigating a suspected copy cat murder. DS Sarah Knight finds clues linking the current crimes to Ellie’s missing sister.The portrayal of the prison setting felt realistic and well drawn. The characters were ok, but none of them had a lot of depth.The story is past paced and kept me reading. The only thing I didn’t like was the fact that Ellie just forgot all the pertinent points relevant to solving the crimes. This seemed far too convenient and it wasn’t explored why. This let the overall plot down for me.Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC. Out May 22nd 2025.

She Didn't Stand a Chance by Stacie Grey

I really enjoyed this book. Gertie is our protagonist and is willed a massive house by her estranged father. Enter her frightful half siblings who are outraged at her inheritance.Gertie sets out to discover who killed her father and why. The more she unravels, the more danger she’s in.Engaging story but the main highlight was the brilliant characterisation.ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. Out August 12th 2025.

Your Husband’s Fault by Kerry Wilkinson

Sarah and James move from London to the quiet village of Carnington, where James grew up, despite James’s protestations.

However, this idyllic life is cast into shadow when Sarah learns secrets about James during a casual conversation at her son Oliver's school. When she mentions that her husband grew up in the village, a woman cryptically asks his name, then walks away saying, "Don’t you know what your husband did?"

Soon, the entire village turns against the family, and James reveals that 30 years ago, his best friend Lucy went missing, and everyone still believes he was responsible. The start of the book was a little slow paced for me but it really picked up in the second half.

This story is told from Sarah’s perspective throughout and her dream of living in the countryside turns into a nightmare when she starts to doubt what she knows about her husband. I did find this aspect a little frustrating at the start as James was away and I wanted to scream at her to just ask him.

As strange events unfold, Sarah begins to question not only who her husband really is, but what is happening in the village. The ending is satisfying and the twists and turns at the end made me stay up late to finish it.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion/review. “Your Husband’s Fault” will be released on May 12, 2025 with Bookouture Publishing.

I read 4 Indie books:

The Compromise: A dark, underworld crime thriller by Adam Loretz

Blair, a Liverpudlian gangster, faces a crisis of conscience after his sister-in-law Sandie delivers harsh truths. This moral awakening makes him a target of the Dutch Mob.

Set in the underworlds of Amsterdam, Stockholm, and Liverpool, The Compromise follows Blair and his fellow gangsters, Mal and Sparkie, as they hunt for young Little Al, whose father, Frank, has just been released from prison.

Sandie, having raised Little Al after her sister Jackie’s tragic death, has kept him away from his criminal uncles. Meanwhile, Blair, haunted by his past with Nina, battles to protect his family from the dangers Frank's return brings.

Loretz’s The Compromise offers a gripping, fast-paced crime thriller filled with twists, memorable characters, and relentless suspense—a thrilling journey from start to finish.

The First Boy in Space by PM White

Being from Barnsley and a fellow Barnsley writer, I was really excited to read this so when it popped up on Kindle Unlimited, I gave it a go. I am not a teenager, but I have taught English to teens for almost two decades and think it totally hits the mark for that age group.

First Boy in Space by PM White is a heartwarming and thrilling debut that blends sci-fi adventure with real-world issues like climate change and resource scarcity. Twelve-year-old Alfie, an ordinary boy from Barnsley, joins a space mission with his mum, and what follows is a fast-paced, imaginative journey packed with humour, regional charm, and emotional depth. Alfie’s wit, loyalty, and the vivid characters stay with you long after reading. Though it contains some strong language, older kids and teens will find it both entertaining and thought-provoking. A refreshing, down-to-earth space tale that’s truly out of this world!

The Daisy Chain Reaction by A.C. Toy

The Daisy Chain Reaction by A.C. Toy is a compelling and emotionally resonant novel that masterfully combines psychological suspense with heartfelt storytelling. From the very first page, the narrative draws readers in with its escalating tension, nuanced characters, and unexpected twists that keep the story engaging throughout. The "Room" sequences, in particular, are striking—ranging from unsettling to downright chilling—adding a layer of intensity that builds toward a gripping climax. This is a story that rewards close attention, with subtle clues and details that offer a deeper appreciation upon a second reading. A.C. Toy has crafted a remarkable work that lingers in the mind long after the final page, making The Daisy Chain Reaction a standout recommendation for readers who enjoy emotionally rich fiction, clean romance, and psychological thrillers that leave a lasting impact.

Truths We Bury by Hiliary Amanda

Truths We Bury by Hiliary Amanda is a chilling, twist-filled psychological thriller that had me hooked from the first page. Told across multiple timelines, it masterfully unravels the haunting disappearances of single mothers and their children, building suspense with every chapter. Zara, a mother on the run, is a standout character—complex, vulnerable, and unforgettable. The tension never lets up, and just when you think you have it figured out, the plot takes another sharp turn. This book is dark, emotional, and full of jaw-dropping reveals. If you love gritty thrillers with disturbing twists, this is one to add to your list!

From the traditionally published books, I had a few stand out reads.

Top 3 for me were:

The Last Party by A.R. Torre

Loved this. It felt like I was holding my breath while I was reading it. Perla is a sociopath who is planning to recreate an old for which a man is already serving a life sentence. It’s an unhinged page turner.

Under Her Care by Lucinda Berry

In this gripping, fast-paced thriller set in Alabama, a mayor's wife is found brutally murdered under a railroad bridge, and fourteen-year-old Mason Hill, an autistic boy, stands beside her body. The town quickly assumes Mason's guilt, but autism expert Casey Walker is called in to consult on the case. As she digs deeper, she grows suspicious of Mason’s mother, Genevieve, and uncovers troubling secrets about the Hill family, especially Genevieve’s daughter, Savannah. The story unfolds with a chilling exploration of family dynamics, secrets, and a shocking second murder, all while offering unique glimpses into Mason’s perspective. Though the plot is intense and at times extreme, it remains captivating, with an unsettling truth revealed piece by piece, making for an unforgettable read.

And last, but not least, this absolute beauty!! Victorian Psycho.

What have you been reading? What do I need to be adding to my May TBR?